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New Strictly host 'named' as fan-favourite Emma Willis 'to replace' Tess and Claudia
Reach Daily Express | May 11, 2026 7:39 AM CST

Presenter Emma Willis is reportedly about to be named Strictly Come Dancing's new host. The Big Brother and Love Is Blind UK host, 50, is said to have been offered the much coveted job by the BBC following Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's shock departure.

A source told The Sun: "She absolutely nailed the chemistry tests and the BBC adore her. Emma is a household name and a safe pair of hands so the BBC know she will do the job justice." The insider described Emma as "incredibly popular" with the public and said she will suit the role "to a tee".

They continued: "She was absolutely thrilled to have been offered the job. Strictly is one of the biggest shows on television and to be trusted with the new era is something Emma feels incredibly proud and humbled by."

The source went on to claim that BBC Radio 2 host Zoe Ball will be the one to join Emma after they "clicked" during auditions.

It is believed Emma will be taking on Tess's role, while Zoe will be in the auditorium with the celebrities, similar to Claudia's previous role.

The source added: "The BBC are excited about how their new look Strictly is coming together and think the public will agree."

The Daily Express has contacted Emma Willis's representatives for comment, while a BBC Spokesperson said: "Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course."

BBC bosses drew up a shortlist of stars they were keen to take chemistry tests for the roles.

Big names including Holly Willoughby, Alan Carr, Amanda Holden and Alison Hammond were approached, but reportedly chose not to take part.

Meanwhile, Alex Jones and Rylan Clark emerged as early frontrunners and underwent screen tests, but insiders said they did not make the final shortlist. Bradley Walsh and Rob Rinder were also reportedly considered before being ruled out.

Broadcaster Angela Scanlon and comedian Tom Allen were also believed to be in the running at one point.

Announcing their exit with a joint statement last October, Tess and Claudia said: "We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time."

Tess also said the show had felt like "a second family" and "a huge part" of her life since joining in 2004, while Claudia described it as "the greatest relationship" of her career.


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